Elaine Margaret Brunner

Elaine Margaret Brunner went home to be with her Lord at 12:34 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2025, at Forest Haven in Fredonia under the care of Preceptor Home and Health Hospice. She was 93 years old.

Elaine was born on April 23, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wis., and grew up in the West Bend area. She attended Holy Angels Catholic School and cherished her memories on 10th Avenue, as well as her summers on her grandparents’ farm.

After high school graduation, she attended St. Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her first job was helping the polio campaign in St. Paul, Minn. She loved taking care of people and worked her entire career caring for the elderly at Heritage Nursing Home in Port Washington, Wis., until she retired in 1998.

Elaine met Howard Brunner of Random Lake in 1951. They fell in love and married on May 22, 1954. They were married for 44 years until Howard’s untimely death in 1997. Howard and Elaine had nine children, Dan (Bonnie) Brunner, David (Sandy) Brunner, Clare (Joe) Ott, Cecilia Brunner, Eric Brunner, Cindy (Steve) Kocher, Sarah (Dave) Wallner, Tom Brunner and Rebecca (Michael) Stroede. They have 29 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren. The Howard and Elaine Brunner legacy continues to grow, and nothing would make them happier.

Elaine is also survived by her sister-in-law Judith (Brunner) Booker and her very special friend Joe Klein.

Elaine was an active member of Divine Savior Parish, spending many hours working at charitable events. She had many friends and worked tirelessly to assist others in their time of need.

Elaine was a strong and true matriarch who always placed family above all else. She fearlessly led and fiercely loved her family through all of life’s trials and celebrations. She was unparalleled in her commitment and devotion to them. Her beloved family and friends continue to honor her as they live their lives with the memory of an incredibly strong woman forever in their hearts.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Howard, son Eric, grandchildren Lindsay Kocher and Kevin Watry, parents Marie (Brodzeller) Bohn and Roman Bohn, stepmom Clara and siblings Helen, William and Barbara.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at Divine Savior Catholic Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Rd. B, Belgium, WI 53004. Father Don Thimm will preside. The family will receive visitors at the church from 2 to 3:50 p.m.

Elaine will be laid to rest next to her husband Howard at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Fredonia, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to the Northern Ozaukee Scholarship Fund in honor of the Kevin Watry Memorial.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Forest Haven and the Preceptor team for their loving care of Elaine.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.